10. New Orleans!

Nightlife, live music, culture, and great food are all at your convenience! Shop and eat your way around the French Quarter for nightlife and entertainment; go on a tour of the city or visit the nearby City Park, Audubon Zoo, or Aquarium for family fun and outdoor recreation. Catch one of the many live music shows offered in New Orleans.

The options are endless!

9. Empowerment

Having a child with PWS changes who we are. But that doesn’t mean we can’t rise stronger and more hopeful for a better future. Coming to an FPWR conference is a first step to taking control of your future with PWS.

8. Direct Access to Updated Information about PWS

Nowhere else in the world will you get to hear from experts such as Dr. Elisabeth Dykens, Elizabeth Roof, Dr. Theresa Strong and other leading PWS researchers and experts all in one place. Find out what cutting-edge research is being done in the PWS world, straight from the researchers themselves!

7. Meet the Experts

There are Q & A sessions after every presentation and plenty of opportunities to meet the physicians and researchers at the Welcome Reception Friday night, or over coffee and lunch breaks. You get the chance to ask your questions and get personalized advice for your loved one in an intimate setting.

6. Educate Your Loved Ones

Research is hard to understand sometimes. But, when you have the experts at your disposal, you can ask the questions you need and theneducate everyone you know about up-to-date PWS treatments, clinical care, research and statistics.

5. Make New Friends

There is simply no way to explain the feeling of being in a room full of people who “get it.” A room full of parents who have a child with Prader-Willi Syndrome. You have to be there to truly understand. Lifelong friendships are made at every conference.

4. Conference Hotel

You can enjoy the beautiful Doubletree Hotel knowing you received an AMAZING room rate. The hotel is within walking distance to the French Quarter, great food, live music, and great museums. Enjoy the PWS family Meet-and-Greet on Friday night at the hotel with live music, cash bar and hors d'oeuvres.

3. Help Other Parents

Either you ARE a new parent or you HAVE BEEN a new parent. At some point we all need a little help navigating the world as a special needs parent. Attending a conference creates an environment to ask for help and equips you to help the next generation of PWS parents; so that nobody has to start this journey alone.

2. Have Fun!

We have a packed educational program, but before and after sessions, the FPWR family is known for being an uplifting, encouraging and downright fun group of people. After meet and greets on Friday, you'll be ready to share a meal over lunch on Saturday with your new friends. Saturday evening enjoy the night out with a group of parents who are ready to dance the night away at the nearby nightlife or have a quiet conversation over drinks at the hotel bar. We guarantee the connections you make will last a lifetime.

1. Get Involved

Have you ever wondered how to get involved with FPWR or want to be an advocate in your area for PWS?Attending a conference will get you connected to some of the most passionate PWS parents; all who welcome you with open arms to join our community and help change the world of PWS!

Register now during our Mardi Gras Sale, going on February 1- March 5.

Prices are being cut from $225 (regular price) to $150*, from February 1 to March 5. After that, tickets will go up to their regular price. This is our biggest sale of the year, and you will not want to miss it!

Melissa Demand

Melissa became involved with FPWR in 2014 after her son, Kemett, was diagnosed with PWS. That year she hosted her first One SMALL Step Walk which raised over $115,000 and earned herself the honor of hosting the FPWR conference in Austin, TX in 2015. Melissa has over 9 years of fundraising and development experience and a Masters in Social Work from The University of Texas with an emphasis on Community and Administrative Leadership. Melissa will be assisting with database management and administrative duties.

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Our Mission

The mission of FPWR is to eliminate the challenges of Prader-Willi syndrome through the advancement of research. High-quality research will lead to more effective treatments and an eventual cure for this disorder. By working together, we intend to free our loved ones from the burdens of PWS, allowing them to lead full and independent lives.